Exhibition

Yagu Gurlbarl (Big Secret) By Julie Dowling

Collie Art Gallery

July 3 to August 20

About this exhibition

All ART ON THE MOVE touring exhibitions are currently postponed. More info here.

Yagu Gurlbarl (Big Secret) artist Julie Dowling explores the theme of slavery in Australia for First Nations peoples both in past centuries and in current Australian society. This is a unique opportunity for
the regions to present a solo exhibition featuring a significant Western Australian artist. A series of highly decorated figurative artworks that will draw in and engage the viewer. Upon closer inspection there is a strong political edge challenging the myth that First Nations peoples were/are lazy and a drain on society. The beauty presented in the works becomes a metaphor for the resilience and wisdom of First Nations peoples to overcome the narrow narrative that has mythologised colonisation.

“The works in Dowling’s exhibition speak of the atrocities of slavery and show how beautifully resilient her people are despite this.” – Carol Dowling

Listen below to artist Julie Dowling talking about her life, work and influences. You can listen while you view the show online!

The Julie Dowling podcast is part of the ART ON THE MOVE Act-Belong-Commit Learning and Community Engagement Program, proudly sponsored by Healthway, promoting the Act-Belong-Commit message. The podcast is created by Meri Fatin and features soundscape by Carol and Julie Dowling.

ART ON THE MOVE would like to acknowledge the First Nation’s Peoples as the traditional custodians of this land and we pay our respects to the Elders both past, present and future for their unique contribution to the cultural life of communities across Australia.